This unusual hardy tuberous aroid has one giant divided leaf on top of a 4-5' tall, green and purple mottled, fleshy stalk (petiole). When old enough, the tuber produces a fascinating 5' flower (early May, before the leaf emerges) resembling a giant vase made from a dark purple vinyl. The vase (spathe) is home to a 3' purple spadix that sits atop a 2' speckled petiole...gather your neighbors for the fragrant flowering ritual. After flowering, the plant may rest for months before the leaf emerges in late June. The mother tuber will form offsets, eventually making a giant clump...very exotic and unusual! Amorphophallus konjac has long been prized medicinally for its weight loss properties and is now used in many weight loss products. If you've ever eaten Amorphophallus konjac cooked you can easily understand why it would make you lose weight.
In climates north of zone 6a, the tuber may be dug in late fall and stored in a cool / dry location similar to cannas, gladiolas, or dahlias. Then replanted in the spring after any chance of frost.